The Centre has approved a new greenfield airport in Puri, expected to enhance air connectivity to one of Hinduism’s four sacred pilgrimage sites.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took to the social networking site ‘X’ to inform, “named as Shree Jagannath Airport, the ambitious infrastructure project will be developed over 1,164 acres at an estimated cost of ₹5,631 crore.” Process of land acquisition for Puri airport is in final stage, says Puri district administration.

“The construction is set to take place in three phases. Once complete, it will have the capacity to handle 4.6 million passengers annually,” he said.

Mr. Majhi said this development will boost regional connectivity, drive economic growth, and make the holy city of Puri more accessible to pilgrims and tourists.

The proposal for an airport in Puri was first initiated by previous Naveen Patnaik-led government, which actively pursued the project with Prime Minister Narendra Modi through letters and various forums. However, environmentalists have raised concerns about the site’s viability, citing its location in a cyclone-prone zone.